Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com; by fax to 703-917-0991; or by mail to 1604 King St., Alexandria VA 22314. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Wednesday/Nov. 22
Practice Your English. 10:15 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. No registration is required. 703-339-4610.
Mayor's 3rd Annual Unity Breakfast. Celebrate One Alexandria Through the Years, at the 3rd annual Unity Breakfast. The keynote speaker will be former Virginia Governor Mark Warner and the event will feature live entertainment. The breakfast will be held at the Alexandria Hilton at Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. and the breakfast begins at 8 a.m. Tickets are $30, and a table of 10 is $300. Donations are graciously accepted. Cost of the breakfast goes towards the cost of the event. 703-751-7970 or e-mail EuilleUnity2006@aol.com.
Thursday/Nov. 23
Turkey Trot. 31st annual Turkey Trot from 8:30-11 a.m. at Cora Kelly School. Runners are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods. $10 on-line or $15 on race day. Visit www.pwba.org for event information.
Friday/Nov. 24
Music Performance. The Rick Whitehead Jazz Trio will be performing at 219 Restaurant beginning at 9 p.m. The restaurant is located at 219 King Street in Alexandria. $5 cover charge. Call 703-549-1141 for reservations.
Tree Lighting. City of Alexandria will hold a tree lighting from 7-9 p.m. The event includes musical entertainment with greetings from the Mayor and Santa Claus in Market Square, 301 King St. Free. 703-838-4844.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor from 5-8 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
Saturday/Nov. 25
Photography Exhibit. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. see "Del Ray Dozen Invitational Photography Exhibit" at The Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave,, Alexandria. For information call 703-838-4827, or visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
Scottish Preview. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Includes bagpipe performances, Celtic music, military living history demonstrations and more. Free. Call 703-838-4994 for more information.
Book Reading and Signing. Virginia Tech fans have a new children's book available for purchase called "Watching the Hokies with Daddy" by author Joe West. He will be at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway, at 11 a.m. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor from 5-8 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
Sunday/Nov. 26
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor from 5-8 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
Monday/Nov. 27
First Page. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. A group for all aspiring writers, novices and experts of all genres. Adults. No registration is required. 703-339-4610.
Mystery Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. "The Old Wine Shades: A Richard Jury Mystery" by Martha Grimes. Adults. No registration is required. 703-768-6700.
Tuesday/Nov. 28
Music Performance. 10:30 a.m. ArtsPower will perform "My Heart in a Suitcase" at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Art Center, 3001 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Tickets required. For information call 888-278-7769 or visit: www.artspower.org. Event parking is $5.00 in the garage adjacent to the Center.
Book DIscussion Group. 6:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. "A Gathering of Old Men" by Ernest Gaines. Adults. No registration is required. 703-339-4610.
Book Reading and Signing. The Live Poets Society (of Del Ray) & Stone Bridge Press present a discussion and book signing with Abigail Friedman, author of "The Haiku Apprentice," at 7 p.m., at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway, Alexandria. Free. For more information call Laura Pronovost, 703-299-9124.
Wednesday/Nov. 29
Practice Your English. 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. No registration is required. 703-339-4610.
Presentation. 7-9 p.m. Paul Knox, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor, Virginia Tech, will give a presentation on "American Landscapes and the American Dream," at Virginia Tech’s Alexandria campus, 1021 Prince St., Main Conference Room, 3rd floor. Free. For more information, contact Heike Mayer at 703-706-8122 or heikem@vt.edu.
Thursday, Nov. 30
Curiosity Club. 4 p.m. at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and scientific experiments that are age appropriate. Age 4-6 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Practice Your English. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. No registration is required. Free. 703-971-0010.
Silly Stories. 1 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. Funny stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-339-4610.
Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. Stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft. Call branch for theme. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-768-6700.
A Christmas Marketplace. Noon-5 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Vendors sell unique, holiday gift wares in a boutique setting. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Heather and Greens Sales. Noon-5 p.m. at at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Try a touch of heather and greens to enhance holiday decorations with a Scottish flair. Purchase fresh heather bundles or a variety of wreaths, garlands, flatwoods and more. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Children's Tea Party. 3:30-5 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria.This new special event features children's author and Alexandria resident Leslie Young, accompanied by the main character in her books, Plaid the Scottie dog. Leslie will read from "Plaid: A Tale of Compassion" and "Plaid: A Tale of Joy," and children can have their picture taken with Plaid. $25/adult and child and $10/each additional ticket. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Annual Holiday Open House. 6-9 p.m. enjoy the Torpedo Factory Art Center's holiday open house with live music by the Satin Doll Trio, art raffle, door prizes, wine and more. Shop for gifts. In the raffle visitors can win a $6500 sculpture cast from "Allegory of Night." Gallery is located at 105 North Union St., Alexandria. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565.
Wine Tasting Dinner. 7 p.m. La Bergerie will be hosting a wine tasting dinner with Jerome Jeandin, National Director of Taittinger, USA. The four-course menu is $145 including tax and gratuity. La Bergerie is located at 218 N. Lee St. in Old Town, Alexandria. Space is limited; reservations are required - by phone, 703-683-1007 or internet, web@labergerie.com
St. Andrew's Day. Nov. 30 is St. Andrew's Day, the patron saint of Scotland. Come to a Kirkin of the Tartan service on St. Andrew's Day, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church 402 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria. 703-683-3343. The service will include a blessing of the tartans and a bagpiper and will be followed by a reception with Scottish foods and beverages.
Art Exhibit. Target Gallery presents a memorial exhibition honoring one of the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s original artists, Richard Martin, who passed away June 12, 2006. The gallery will exhibit a selection of work that includes Martin's sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. Located on the ground floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565 ext. 4.
Friday/Dec. 1
Music Performance. Philomela, a female vocal ensemble, will present a 30th anniversary concert at 8 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. $20/adults; $15/seniors; $10/children. Call Cheryl Castner 301-855-8019.
Holiday Performance. Seminary Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary will sing part 1 of Handel's Messiah plus the Hallelujah Chorus with donations benefiting ALIVE. Starts at 7:30 p.m. at the chapel, 3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria. All are invited to participate or just listen. Free. E-mail Susan Dawson with questions at SDDawson@starpower.net.
A Christmas Marketplace. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Vendors sell unique, holiday gift wares in a boutique setting. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Heather and Greens Sales. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Try a touch of heather and greens to enhance holiday decorations with a Scottish flair. Purchase fresh heather bundles or a variety of wreaths, garlands, flatwoods and more. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Taste of Scotland. 7-8 p.m. Patron only hour; 8-10:30 p.m. for patrons and regular ticket holders at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. A tasting featuring hard-to-find, rare scotches direct from Scotland distilleries. Advance tickets required. Call 703-549-0111 for tickets. $125/patron or $75/regular. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Art Exhibit. Target Gallery presents a memorial exhibition honoring one of the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s original artists, Richard Martin, who passed away June 12, 2006. The gallery will exhibit a selection of work that includes Martin's sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. Located on the ground floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565 ext. 4.
Santa Railway Express. Ride with Santa from King Street Station to Old Town Manassas and back on two Fridays before Christmas. The train departs King Street Train Station in Alexandria at 1:25 p.m. and travels to Old Town Manassas Train Station. Passengers will disembark for holiday stories and treats. The train returns to King Street at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 each and are on sale now exclusively at Whistle Stop Hobbies. Children will receive a special goody bag and holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Theater Performance. The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town at 8 p.m. Tickets are $11.50/person and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor from 5-8 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
Saturday/Dec. 2
A Christmas Marketplace. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Vendors sell unique, holiday gift wares in a boutique setting. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Heather and Greens Sales. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Try a touch of heather and greens to enhance holiday decorations with a Scottish flair. Purchase fresh heather bundles or a variety of wreaths, garlands, flatwoods and more. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. 10:30 a.m. beginning at the corner of Wilkes and South Pitt Streets in Old Town and ending at the Campagna Center. Parade Grand Marshal Is Alison Starling, Co-Anchor, Good Morning Washington/ABC7 News and Alexandria resident. Over 100 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dog groups, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus will march down the cobblestone streets of Old Town. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Holiday Designer Tour of Homes. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Stroll through six lovely homes of historic importance dressed up for the holidays by acclaimed interior designers and local florists. The tour features select homes in Old Town, Alexandria. Tickets required $25/advance or $30/day of purchase and can be purchased at homes. Call 703-549-0111 for tickets. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Art Exhibit. Target Gallery presents a memorial exhibition honoring one of the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s original artists, Richard Martin, who passed away June 12, 2006. The gallery will exhibit a selection of work that includes Martin's sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. Located on the ground floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565 ext. 4.
Holiday Ornament Decorating Workshop. 1-4 p.m. at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., 3rd floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Families are invited to celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon of historic arts and crafts with the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Decorate take-home ornaments using shapes, colors and patterns based on the Museum's collection of excavated artifacts. Free. Call Alexandria Archaeology for more information, 703-838-4399.
Kwanzaa Craft and Game Workshop. From 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. This free workshop, conducted by Museum staff, is geared towards those wishing to learn more about Kwanzaa or find inexpensive ways of incorporating this celebration into their lives. The Museum staff will present a brief overview of the principles of this African American celebration. Participants do not need to bring anything, as all supplies will be provided. For more information call the Museum at 703-838-4356.
Craft Sale. Heritage Presbyterian Church is holding a craft sale "Made by the Bell" from 9 a.m.-noon at the church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to support Heritage Presbyterian Women’s outreach programs for children and women. Call Jenny Kennedy at 703-360-9420 for more information.
Victorian Christmas Ball. 8-11 p.m. in the historic ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. for dance warm-ups. $30/person in advance or $40 at the door includes live music, dance instruction and desserts of the period. Period attire, either military or civilian is encouraged. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org for more information or to register.
Annual Christmas Bazaar. The American Indian Society of Washington, D.C. will host their annual Christmas crafts bazaar from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Church of Saint Clement, 1701 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. American Indian arts, Christmas crafts and fresh baked goods will be sold as well as raffle tickets for a Pendleton Blanket and a Buffalo Sculpture (metal with wood base) by Native American artist, Pete Yazzie. You need not be present to win. Visit www.aisdc.org.
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Begins at 3 p.m. with a holiday review featuring local school groups performing. Santa will arrive via boat dockside at the gazebo. Pets are welcome for photos as well. Boat parade starts at 5:30 p.m. with WTOP's Bob Madigan. Free. Visit www.funside.com for more.
Lights of Love. The Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Auxiliary will present the 25th annual Lights of Love program at 5 p.m. in the hospital's main lobby. For a donation of $5 dedicate a light in memory of a loved one or to honor a friend, neighbor, or relative who has added joy. For a donation of $100, dedicate a light in the tree-top star. This year's contributions to Lights of Love are designated for therapeutic enhancements to make our hospitalized patients more comfortable. Entertainment at this year's program will include the "Festival of Music" by the West Potomac High School Soundsations and songs by Dr. Cleve Francis, Inova MVH cardiologist and renowned vocalist. A reception in the hospital cafeteria will follow the program. All are invited to attend. The hospital is located at 2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria. For any questions contact the Volunteer Services Office at 703-664-7260.
Theater Performance. The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $11.50/person and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor from 5-8 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
Holiday Concert. 7-9 p.m. Empowered Women International presents Music From Around the World, a holiday concert of Russian folk and classical music performed by Russian-born musician and orchestra conductor, Svetlana Nikonova, her family and St. Petersburg Trio at the Lyceum at 201 S.
Washington St. in Old Town Alexandria. $25/person with a special holiday promotion: buy one get one free. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres will be offered at the artist reception following the concert. Purchase your
tickets online at www.ewint.org, by phone at 703-778-6310 or by mailing a check to EWI for Concert at 1307 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314.
Holiday Cocktail Party. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association is hosting a holiday cocktail party from 5-7 p.m., at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. in Old Town Alexandria. The evening establishes a new relationship with The Athenaeum School of Ballet and the Washington Ballet, who will be working together this spring on a production of The Little Prince, and who will establish a new Athenaeum tradition next year with a collaborative production of The Nutcracker. The event is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 at the door. Guests are also invited to bring an unwrapped gift for children, ages 1-18, that will be donated to the Alexandria Domestic Violence Shelter. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.